Inbal Eshel

Traumatic Brain Injury Speech-Language Pathologist

Inbal Eshel, MA, CCC-SLP is the lead traumatic brain injury speech-language pathologist (SLP) at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). In this position, she treats active duty service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, providing diagnostic and therapeutic interventions aimed at minimizing cognitive and language deficits and maximizing quality of life. She plays an integral role in developing evidence-based programs for active duty service members and veterans with brain injuries and is working to implement these programs throughout the military hospital network.

Prior to her work at WRNMMC, she served as the lead SLP for the day treatment program at the National Rehabilitation Hospital where she coordinated individual- and group-based therapy aimed at transitioning patients with brain injuries to home and community. While there, she also developed the first outcomes-measurement tool for the day treatment program, which allows healthcare providers, patients, and families to work together to track goals and enhance accountability. The tool is still being used and has been presented at regional and national conferences.

Ms. Eshel received a BA in Psychology in 2000 and a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology in 2004, and has pursued doctoral-level coursework in statistics, epidemiology, and neurological bases of communication since that time.

This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which is dedicated to ensuring that impacted post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families are thriving long after they return home.